Team

Michael Tricarico – Partner

Michael has been part of the centre since 1998 and has 20 plus years experience in treating musculoskeletal conditions. He has completed postgraduate education in Manipulative/Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Now a consultant and executive director of the business, Michael uses his expertise to not only treat complicated conditions but also mentor new staff. Over the years, he has had a special interest in treating temporomandibular (jaw) dysfunction and cervical headaches, with more recently interests turning to treating the knee, foot and ankle. Continuing education forms a large part of his professional development and he attends conferences regularly to ensure best practice is delivered to his patients. He is currently the head physiotherapist for the Western Jets Football team (AFL Junior Development Team), treating and managing acute sporting injuries. Michael has 2 beautiful girls that he devotes his time to when not practicing. He has a passion for running and bike riding.

Lauren Elliott – Partner

Lauren joined the team at Hoppers Physio in 2002, following graduating with honours from Melbourne University. She then soon after joined the partnership in 2005 and thoroughly enjoys this role of leadership, marketing and business development. In addition to treating sports and spinal injuries, Lauren has a passion for the Clinical Pilates Program at our centre and is especially interested in pregnancy, pediatrics and sporting injuries, managing them with a combination of hands on and Pilates exercises to achieve long term patient goals. Outside of work, Lauren has represented Australia in Triathlons, including Gold Coast 2009, Budapest 2010 and New Zealand 2012. Hoppers Physio has also been involved regularly in the corporate triathlon series and proudly produced podium finishes in the female division on many occasions, and Lauren has been the driving force behind getting everyone involved at the centre. More recently her focus has turned towards running, tennis and weights to keep fit, while raising a young family.
She has also completed her masters in Animal Physiotherapy and runs Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy at Advanced Vetcare in Kensington. Lauren has 3 young kids who are very active and with whom she enjoys her time thoroughly with outside of running the clinic.

Danny Low – Partner

Danny completed a Batchelor of Science majoring in muscle physiology in 2001 and then began a Physiotherapy Degree at Melbourne University, completing it with honours in 2005. Danny joined the partnership in late 2013 and looks forward to the exciting future Hoppers Physio has ahead. Since starting at Hoppers Physio he has been involved in a variety of group exercise sessions, including Pilates, Tai chi and hydrotherapy, as well as being involved with the Western Jets Football Club as part of their medical team. He also performs the Bike Set-Up service at the clinic. Danny’s interests include playing guitar, golf, basketball, bike riding, going to the beach and of course, spending time with his young family. He has a keen interest in sports and exercise specific rehabilitation and has completed postgraduate studies in sports physiotherapy.

Rebecca Wait – Partner

Rebecca graduated from Latrobe university with a Bachelor of physiotherapy in 1997. She joined the team at Hoppers physio in 2013 and the partnership in 2016. She brings with her extensive experience in private practice over the last 15 years. Prior to this she also worked in paediatrics and aged care.
Rebecca has a special interest in cervicogenic headaches, the sporting and degenerative shoulder, paediatrics, spinal pain and sporting injuries.

Rebecca manages our clinical pilates program at the centre and frequently uses this in her approach to rehabilitation and treatment. She has completed all 4 levels of the DMA clinical pilates series and also has further training in dry needling and medical acupuncture.

Futhermore she has completed many professional development courses to keep her skills up to date for the treatment of the shoulder, hip and pelvis, headaches, sporting injuries and paediatrics. Outside of work Rebecca plays and coaches netball and enjoys taking her dog for a run with her teenage daughter. Her interests include coffee, the beach, camping, reading and catch ups with friends and family.

Jason Pongracic – Physiotherapist

Jason started at Hoppers Physio at the start of 2017 after completing his Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice course with Latrobe University. Having clinical placements with Cabrini, The Alfred Hospital and the Australian Defence Force, Jason has developed a passion for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and has a special interest in sports injuries and back/neck pain.

Since starting with Hoppers Physio, Jason has completed further professional development in the area of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy having completed his Sports Level 1, Lyn Watson Shoulder Physiotherapy Level 1 and Advanced Knee Diagnosis and Rehabilitation courses.

Jason is one of the team Physiotherapists for the Werribee City Soccer Club and also does some work with the Physiotherapy team at the Williamstown VFL Football Club.

Earlier this year, Jason started working in partnership with local Orthopaedic Surgeon, Siva Chandrasekaran, out of his consulting rooms to provide pre and post-surgical Physiotherapy for his patients.

Outside of work, Jason is a keen footballer and is part of the leadership group at the Williamstown Seagulls in the VFL. Jason also enjoys having a hit of cricket in the off season, spending time with family and friends and watching a good TV series.

Gabrielle Boardman – Physiotherapist

Gabrielle completed a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physiotherapy from La Trobe University Bendigo in 2016. She is thrilled to be working in her home town where she can continue working with local clubs such as the Werribee Central’s Football and Netball Club as the head Physiotherapist.

Gabrielle is passionate about both general musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries. In addition to making tailored rehabilitation programs to get her clients back to the activities they love, she is also a qualified APPI Pilates instructor and has completed additional training in Dry Needling and Sports Physiotherapy (Level One).

Outside of work Gabrielle keeps active by going to the gym, playing basketball, skiing and has started her first season with the Werribee Centrals Women’s Football team.

Mirjana Djukic – Physiotherapist

After graduating with Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne, Mirjana joined the Hoppers Physio team in 2017. She is passionate about promoting health and well being by treating patients holistically rather than focusing only on a single body area.

She has a strong interest in women’s health and pilates, and likes to draw upon her extensive experience in natural medicine (over 10 years) as she supports the well being of her patients.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her own family and friends. As an avid animal and nature lover she never misses an opportunity to spend time outdoors enjoy the nature.

Justin Morris – Physiotherapist

Justin completed his bachelor of physiotherapy from James Cook University in Townsville before moving to Melbourne and joining the Hoppers Physio team in 2017.

He has a keen interest in the musculoskeletal field and working with both the general and sporting populations. Justin aims to work together with all clients to achieve their desired outcomes throughout their preparatory and rehabilitation phases.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys doing a range of activities from staying at home playing guitar or watching TV, to experiencing everything Melbourne has on offer.

Dushyant Pundir – Physiotherapist

Dushyant is Australian trained physiotherapist with a bachelor’s degree from Charles Sturt University and a Master’s degree from University of South Australia (Master of Manual and Sports)

He was working as a Physiotherapist in Delhi, India, before coming to Australia in 2008, where he continued to be involved in sports: Hope Valley Football club, Adelaide, Wodonga Football Club.

He has special interest in treating all forms of musculoskeletal injuries, but do have special interest in spinal problems, upper limb and lower limbs injuries. He aim to integrate his manual skills with an exercise based approach to help speed up patients’ recovery and restore their functional goals.

He is also a sports enthusiast and is active in cricket. Being a sports enthusiast he understands the importance of a quick return and have passion to treat various sport injury to help players to return to pre-injury level. Dushyant can speak Hindi, English and Punjabi language.

Amy Kight – Physiotherapist

After graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science at La Trobe University, Amy then went onto complete the Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. During her two and a half year’s experience as a sports trainer, she developed the skills and passion for sporting related injury, assessment and rehabilitation. She has a special interest in treating all types of musculoskeletal injury, and aims to work collaboratively with patients to keep active and achieve their goals. She has recently completed Pilates certification and uses Pilates based exercise principles during treatment. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time outdoors, finding excellent coffee spots and catching up with friends.

Annabelle Citroen – Physiotherapist

Annabelle completed her Physiotherapy degree with honours at Melbourne University in 2007. She has gone on to complete Postgraduate studies in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and Continence, Musculoskeletal dysfunction and Exercise for Women. She also works as a senior Physiotherapist at The Royal Women’s Hospital, St Vincent’s Continence Clinic and the Australian Prostate Cancer Centre and is a busy mum to two children of her own.

Annabelle can assist in assessment and management of urinary and faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation/ dyssynergic defecation, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and pre/post prostate surgery. She also has particular interest in the management of pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain and maintaining strength and fitness throughout the childbearing years.

Brianna Thomas – Myotherapist

Brianna graduated from Endeavor College of Natural Health with a Bachelor of Health Science & Musculoskeletal Therapy. She has been working as a Myotherapist for the last 3 years at a multidisciplinary health clinic.

Her interest in all things rehab, injury & health related first began when she was younger during Taekwondo training, where she suffered a sporting injury herself. From there, Brianna was in physiotherapy appointments (right here at hoppers physio!!), Pilates classes & also began swimming as part of her rehab. It was through this that Brianna learned and appreciated the great benefit that treatment, along with client education and exercise had. Because of this, Brianna has a keen interest in helping others, particularly using her knowledge and experience in helping clients recover after an injury.

She has been trained in various techniques which she incorporates into her treatments, including cupping and dry needling.
She is looking forward to working with and learning from therapists here at hoppers physio, & is excited to be joining the team!

Thomas Nemeth – Physiotherapist

Originally from the city of Edmonton in Canada, I moved to Melbourne to undertake my postgraduate physiotherapy training, and graduated in 2017 with a Doctor of Physiotherapy, with distinction, from the University of Melbourne. Growing up, I have always been passionate about sports, and after enduring multiple injuries associated with playing club level soccer, I developed a keen interest in various musculoskeletal and sporting injuries. Although I no longer play competitive sport, I have continued to stay involved on the sidelines, having worked as a sports trainer for Box Hill and Melbourne Unicorns Rugby Union Clubs, as well as with the Melbourne University Lightning Netball Club in the Victorian Netball League. In my spare time, I enjoy making music, keeping active at the gym, and seeking out good Melbourne coffee and brunch spots with friends.

Katherine Bustamante – Myotherapist

Katherine studied Advanced diploma in remedial massage at Victoria Fitness Academy and graduated in 2015. She started working at Hoppers Physio in 2016. Katherine got into the field of massage because of her love of helping people get back into form and regain freedom of movement and pain. She is interested in rehab and pain management.

She is a mother of 4 and always keen to learn new things and in her spare time she loves to draw and spend time with her family.

Tamika Dawson – Physiotherapist

Tamika completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney in 2017 and has relocated to Victoria to join the team at Hoppers Physio in 2018. She enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries in both the general and sporting populations.

She has spent the last 4 years working as a sports trainer with various football and netball clubs and has developed a special interest in treating sporting injuries especially ankles and knees.

Tamika has recently completed her Women’s Health certificate, and has developed a strong interest in treating pregnancy related issues such as pelvic girdle pain and helping to maintain strength throughout this period. She is also able to assist with management of pelvic floor muscle training, pelvic organ prolapse and urininary incontinence.

Outside of work Tamika enjoys hiking, Pilates and spending time with her family and friends.

Lauren Foster – Physiotherapist

Lauren joined the team at Hoppers in January 2019 after completing her Master of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University in 2018. Lauren also holds a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science from the University of Wollongong, NSW.

After completing placements through Eastern Health Lauren has developed a strong interest in paediatric physiotherapy, Women’s health, hydrotherapy, geriatrics, chronic disease management, general and cardiovascular medicine and orthopaedic surgeries.

Lauren is extremely passionate about improving the health of the population and assisting patients in achieving their physiotherapy and health goals.
Outside of work Lauren enjoys playing waterpolo, swimming, going to the beach, Pilates, going out to brunch and travelling.

Megan Perry – Dietitian

Megan is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who is passionate about health, nutrition and helping people achieve the heathiest version of themselves.Megan have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BSc Nut) at Victoria University and a Masters of Dietetics (Mdiet) at Deakin University. She is fully accredited with the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).
Megan has a special interest in the following areas:

Glenn Ross – Psychologist

I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, and have experience working with children, adults, couples, families, and older adults. My areas of interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and ageing, and I utilise evidenced based techniques that focus on developing self‐insight, emotional strength, and long lasting, positive change in peoples’ lives. I try to provide a caring, empathic, and non‐judgmental environment in which people feel both safe, and listened to, and focus on developing mutually agreed upon, realistic goals that meet the needs of the person. Central to my practice is the view that mental health does not simply mean the presence of an apparent problem. Rather, it is the ability for a person to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life, comfortable with who they are. T

Dr Michael Giummarra – Sports Medicine Registrar

Dr Michael Giummarra joins the team as a Sports Medicine Registrar in 2018. Michael graduated from his post-graduate medical degree at Deakin University in 2012. He then went on to complete his internship and residency at the Royal Melbourne Hospital; gaining experience of Orthopaedic Surgery. He has since commenced his training in 2017 as an accredited registrar with the Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians. Michael has also completed a Bachelor in Biomedical Science at the University of Melbourne.

Michael is the current chief medical officer for the AFL Vic Metro squad. He also holds roles as the team doctor for the Western Jets in the TAC cup and Essendon FC women’s VFL. He has held previous roles including Chief doctor of the 2017 Canterbury Bulldogs junior teams in the NSWRL, Coburg Lions VFL team in 2015 and 2016, as well as team doctor for the Northern Knights AFL TAC cup in 2015. He has also provided coverage for multiple A-league, W-League and FFA games.
His further studies have included a Diploma in Children’s Health through Westmead University as well as research into the artificial augments used in ligament reconstruction of multi-ligament knee injuries. Michael is passionate about helping athletes to achieve their greatest sporting potential through safe exercise and recovery regimes, whilst promoting health and wellness to the general public. He is available for appointments without a GP referral, and also at short notice on Monday’s where he runs an acute injury clinic.